Dispensing of 'Unusual Perscriptions'

Sleepless123 · 04-09-2011, 12:17 AM

Not really First Aid but thought First Aid people might know the answer so put it here but feel free to move!

im wondering why my local Primary Care Trust [im in England] has to have a contract with a specific pharmacy chain for dispensing 'unusual perscriptions' and by the sounds of it all Primary Care Trusts in the UK have to.Why is this?

im not criticising or saying its not necessary.i just dont understand it.Would like to understand more.

Thanks!

xx

roiben · 04-09-2011, 11:32 AM

Contracts for pharmaceuticals can be very similar to any other supplier contracts, and this is not only for unusual prescriptions.

From my understanding, having a bulk or longer term contract with a supplier can reduce the amount charged per item.

As earlier this year a fuss was made about PCTs placing small orders that wasted money, a lot of them now are much more stringent about doing this, and will try to stick with a certain supplier to ensure costs are kept to a minimum, or budgeted amount.

Roiben x

Sleepless123 · 04-09-2011, 01:03 PM

Thanks i just wasnt aware of this so was a bit surprised when they said when i start picking up an unusual perscription in a months time [unusual cos of the quantity of meds - long story for the very few who may not already know] i would have to use a certain designated pharmacy chain to do so, also having to specify the pharmacy but it must have to be within that chain.

Thanks for answering.Was just intrigued.And it means me changing pharmacies which in the circumstances if it has to be that way is obviously ok cos i appreciate all they are doing for me and this should help me out a lot but was just wondering that was all.

Makes sense.Cheers!

xx xx

fragile as glass · 05-09-2011, 01:23 PM

one of my drugs i get from my local psychiatric hospital's pharmacy as my GP practice will not prescribe it. This is because I am taking a drug that has not been approved yet by the NICE guidelines (or someone like them) They are approved for heroin addicts so they can get the drugs from their GP's but because I take it for self harm (I'm kinda a guinea pig - but a happy willing one)

Might be completely different to what your question was about but thought I'd share with you anyway :)

Sleepless123 · 05-09-2011, 04:57 PM

Thanks for sharing.It is interesting.We thought at first it would be a hospital pharmacy i would have to go but its not now.Good luck....i hope what your taking helps you.xx xx